Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer Job Description This position offers an experienced Controls Engineer the opportunity to join a growing machine builder and contribute immediately to active projects in an industrial automation environment. You will work with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Fanuc robotics, support current installations with minimal guidance, and eventually own projects from concept through commissioning.

The role combines hands-on controls design, programming, and field support, with significant travel to customer sites and clear potential to advance into higher-level leadership responsibilities. Responsibilities Design, implement, and install machine controls and operator interfaces for automated equipment. Program, edit, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs on systems that are already through the design phase.

Develop, modify, and optimize Fanuc robotics programs, including integration with PLC-controlled systems. Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software issues on automated equipment, both in-house and at customer sites. Use AutoCAD Electrical to create, review, and update electrical schematics and panel layouts. Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams to ensure seamless system integration and reliable machine performance.

Support cradle-to-grave project work over time, including concept development, design, programming, testing, installation, and commissioning. Travel to customer sites approximately 40% of the time to perform installation, startup, troubleshooting, and customer support. Apply mechanical aptitude to understand machine operation, diagnose issues, and recommend improvements. Maintain documentation of programs, schematics, and changes to ensure accurate records and knowledge transfer.

Adhere to safety standards and support production efficiency and reliability goals in all controls and automation work. Essential Skills 5+ years experience as a Controls Engineer  Proficient in Allen Bradley PLCs (editing/troubleshooting)  Robotics programming (Fanuc) Ability to work independently Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in industrial automation, machine building, or supporting automated manufacturing systems.

Experience in system integration, including coordinating PLCs, robotics, and related control hardware. Familiarity with reading, creating, and maintaining detailed electrical and mechanical schematics. Interest in growing into higher-level leadership responsibilities within a machine-building organization. Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Work Environment The role is based in an industrial automation setting focused on machine building and supporting automated manufacturing systems. You will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment that emphasizes troubleshooting, system integration, and meeting production efficiency and safety standards. The position involves approximately 40% travel, with ebbs and flows that may include periods of several months without travel and occasional stretches of up to two weeks of overnight travel at a time.

While traveling, all expenses are covered, and a daily per diem and hourly travel premium apply. You will regularly work with technologies such as Allen-Bradley PLCs, Fanuc robotics, and AutoCAD Electrical, and you will spend time both on the shop floor and at customer sites commissioning and supporting automated equipment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment.

Benefits are subject to change and m